More couples are choosing Queenstown's idyllic surrounds to tie the knot, writes Olivia Caldwell in the Otago Daily Times.

Romance. Queenstown is full of it and numbers show the resort is increasingly popular with couples walking down the aisle.

Wedding destinations in the area are quickly booking out for December/January, the busiest time of the year, but trends show couples are now choosing to get married in the winter more often than in the past.

Queenstown Wedding Association president Sarah Arkin says the town hosts well over 500 weddings a year, with most couples choosing to tie the knot in the sun. However, she had noticed winter bookings for next year were increasing.

"One of the main trends is there has been a lot of winter weddings. It doesn't stop here. Weddings really go all year round."

In the past, December and January have dominated the wedding calendar, with many others also taking their vows in April, as the autumn leaves began to change colour.

However, Australians, in particular, are choosing Queenstown in the snow for an idyllic environment for a wedding.

This year one couple returned to Coronet Peak skifield to marry after they had become engaged at the same venue the year before. Another Australian couple will be hoping snow is forecast next August as they have booked their wedding ceremony for the top of the Remarkables. They will then fly to Coronet Peak where both bride and groom will ski their first tracks as a married couple in their wedding attire.

"There is definitely a lot of weddings going on here in Queenstown." said Ms Arkin

This year 12-12-12 is almost fully booked out and next year, 11-12-13 is looking to do the same. Some brave grooms had even taken the initiative to plan the entire wedding, fly the bride over and surprise her on the day.

Most couples book at least a year in advance. However, Queenstown is still a popular place for foreign couples to elope.

"A lot of them come over here who haven't told anyone and say 'Don't put any pictures on facebook or our family will see them. New Zealand is a really easy place to get married. It takes less than a week to process a marriage licence."

From an article in the Otago Daily Times written by Olivia Caldwell. Read the full article here.

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Photo courtesy of Skyline Queenstown.